Biology (Grade 9–10 Core Science) Exam Survival Guide

Must-do topics

• Cell Biology:
  • Cell structure & function (organelles, membranes, transport).
  • Photosynthesis vs respiration (inputs/outputs, energy).
  • Cell cycle & mitosis; basics of meiosis.
• Genetics:
  • DNA structure & replication.
  • Mendelian inheritance, Punnett squares.
  • Mutations & genetic variation.
• Evolution & Diversity:
  • Natural selection, adaptation, common ancestry.
  • Evidence: fossils, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.
  • Classification basics (kingdoms/domains).
• Ecology:
  • Food chains/webs, energy pyramids.
  • Population dynamics (carrying capacity, limiting factors).
  • Human impact (deforestation, climate change).
• Body Systems (Survey):
  • Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous — main functions & interactions.

Top traps

• Thinking mitochondria “make” energy (they convert it).
• Confusing mitosis (growth/repair) vs meiosis (gametes).
• Treating dominant = “most common.”
• Evolution = individuals changing (actually populations over generations).
• Food chain arrows = predator eats prey (they actually show energy flow).

Quick checks

• Label plant cell vs animal cell → 3 differences.
• Write equation: photosynthesis vs respiration.
• Punnett square: Tt × Tt. Ratio of tall:short?
• Example of natural selection in environment.
• Draw simple food web with 4 organisms.

You will make

• Organelle Flash Cards (job of nucleus, mitochondria, etc.).
• Mitosis/Meiosis Comparison Chart.
• Punnett Square Practice Sheet.
• Energy Pyramid Poster.
• Human Systems Graphic Organizer (which system does what).

Daily plan (40–45 min)

• 10 min vocab warm-up (flash cards).
• 15 min diagram or model practice.
• 15–20 min application (lab demo, case study, or short writing).